Averages drift in record territoryEach of the major stock averages is in positive territory in afternoon trading, which means a new record for the Dow and S&P and another step closer to 5,000 for the Nasdaq. The averages have drifted for most of the session, with most of the time being spent near the flat line, though all turned positive near noon. Despite the slight gains in the market the number of advancing stocks are ahead of declining stocks by more than 5:4. Near 2:30 pm EST, the Dow is up 10 points, the Nasdaq is up 6 points and the S&P is up 1 point.

Treasury's $35 B 5-year auction was well subscribed Treasury's $35 B 5-year auction was well subscribed, as expected, again supported by indirect bidders. They took 60.1%, the 4th highest on record. The note stopped right on the dime at 1.480%, where it traded at the bid deadline. There were almost $88.9 B in bids for a 2.54 cover, better than the 2.49 from January, but a little off the 2.71 average. But, direct bidders took only 5.2%, while primary dealers accepted 32.4%.

Euro$ interest rate options update: more straddle selling Euro$ interest rate options update: more straddle selling has crept into the mix, according to sources, with a sale of 20k in June 96 straddles in the pits following some 25k in a block sale as well (selling volatility). The June 2015 contract is a half-tick lower at 99.625, while the deferreds extended their slide by up to 3-ticks out the back.

Yellen Q&A: not interested in only rules-based policy Yellen Q&A: not interested in only rules-based policy, she said this would overly tie the Fed's hand and not be practical. She also noted that any change in forward guidance would mean the Fed wishes to consider whether or not to raise the funds rate. Yellen also confirmed that the Fed is not interested in modifying Dodd-Frank legislation.

Fed Chair Yellen is back on the Hill, reprising her prepared testimony Fed Chair Yellen is back on the Hill, reprising her prepared testimony from yesterday. So analysts'll wait for the questioning to begin to hear if there is anything new. Analysts don't expect she will change her less than hawkish tone, however. She was straightforward yesterday, stating that while the labor market has improved, it's not there yet in terms of being back to normal.